3-Year-Old Reunited With Family After Wandering In Humboldt Park

Sambala, a 3-year-old boy, was found wandering on a Humboldt Park sidewalk on March 18, 2012. He was reunited with his parents after police determined he simply walked out of his home and that there was no evidence of neglect or negligence by the parents. (Credit: Steve Miller, WBBM)

UPDATED 03/19/12 6:18 a.m.

CHICAGO (CBS) — A Humboldt Park neighborhood woman says she is very happy her 3-year-old son is back home, after he was found wandering the street Sunday morning.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Steve Miller reports, the mother of Sambala Kante was working. Sambala’s uncle was in the shower.

So they say Sambala let himself out of the apartment, took the elevator to the ground floor, and walked two blocks in search of his playmate.

“It was very scary,” said Sambala’s mother, Alima Kante.

Other people who live in the 1700 block of North Spaulding Avenue, including Maurice Sanford, stopped to find out what he was doing out by himself, dressed only in a T-shirt, underpants and Spider-Man flip-flops.

“He was shaking. He looked like he was nervous,” Sanford said, “and then I tried to ask him questions and he wouldn’t answer me.”

Police went going door-to-door Sunday trying to find Sambala’s family. Finally, later Sunday morning, Sambala was reunited with his mother and uncle.

He had been taken to St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital for a medical evaluation, but was reported to be in good condition, the Sun-Times Media Wire reported.

Police say there will be no criminal charges. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is investigating.

Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital for a medical evaluation, Mirabelli said. The boy was reported to be in good condition, according to police.

Police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli tells the wire the incident “doesn’t appear to be” an instance of negligence or neglect. “The child was just able to escape the watchful eyes of his parents.”